Luther Vandross is known as one of the greatest R&B singers of all time. His soulful voice and passionate performances captivated audiences around the world. One of his most beloved songs is “If This World Was Mine” which features a duet with Cheryl Lynn. In this blog post, we will explore who Cheryl Lynn is and how she came to sing with Luther Vandross on this iconic track.
Who is Cheryl Lynn?
Cheryl Lynn is an American singer who was born in Los Angeles, California in 1957. She grew up singing in church and attended the High School of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles. In 1978, she was discovered by the legendary producer Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis who signed her to Columbia Records.
Cheryl Lynn released her debut album in 1978 which was self-titled. The album included the hit single “Got to Be Real” which reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song became a disco classic and is still played today in clubs around the world.
In the following years, Cheryl Lynn continued to release hit songs and albums. She collaborated with other artists such as Teddy Pendergrass, Luther Vandross, and Marvin Gaye. Her music is known for its soulful sound and powerful vocals.
The Making of “If This World Was Mine”
The song “If This World Was Mine” was originally recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1967. The song was written by Marvin Gaye and released as a single the same year. The song became a classic duet and was later covered by Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn in 1982.
The recording of “If This World Was Mine” was a collaboration between Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn. The two artists had known each other for years and had performed together on various occasions. They had always talked about recording a duet together and “If This World Was Mine” was the perfect opportunity.
The recording process took place in the studio with Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn singing together. The two artists had a natural chemistry which is evident in the final recording. The song features Luther Vandross’ signature smooth vocals and Cheryl Lynn’s powerful range.
The song was released as a single in 1982 and became a hit on the R&B charts. The song reached No. 4 on the Billboard R&B single chart and is still played on radio stations today. The song is a classic example of Luther Vandross’ and Cheryl Lynn’s talent and is widely regarded as one of the greatest duets of all time.
The Legacy of “If This World Was Mine”
The song “If This World Was Mine” has had a lasting impact on music history. The song has been covered by many artists over the years including Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones.
The duet between Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn has become a classic example of the power of two amazing singers collaborating. The song has become a staple at weddings and romantic events around the world.
In conclusion, “If This World Was Mine” is a timeless classic that showcases the talent of two amazing singers. The collaboration between Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn has stood the test of time and remains just as powerful today as when it was first released. The song will always be remembered as a shining example of true musical artistry.
FAQ
Who did Luther Vandross duet with?
Luther Vandross was a renowned American singer, songwriter, and record producer. Throughout his career, he collaborated with many artists and produced chart-topping hits. One of the duets that Vandross was famously known for was with Dionne Warwick. In 1983, Vandross produced Warwick’s album “How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye”, and dueted with her on the title track of the album.
The song, “How Many Times Can We Say Goodbye” was a moderate success, reaching the top 30 of the Billboard Hot 100 and hitting number seven on the R&B chart. The song was written by Luther Vandross and Marcus Miller, with Vandross providing his soulful and smooth vocal harmony alongside Warwick’s powerful vocals. The duet showcased the remarkable chemistry between Vandross and Warwick and their soulful and passionate style of singing.
Aside from Dionne Warwick, Luther Vandross also collaborated with other well-known artists such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey. One of his most popular collaborations was with pop sensation Mariah Carey in their 1994 duet “Endless Love”, a cover of the classic song originally performed by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie. Vandross’ and Carey’s rendition of “Endless Love” became an international hit and earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals.
Luther Vandross was a talented artist and produced many successful duets throughout his career. His soulful voice and ability to harmonize with other singers made him a perfect duet partner for many legendary artists such as Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, and many more.
Who first sang If this world were mine?
“If This World Were Mine” is a classic soul music song that has been popular for many years. The song was first released in 1967 by the legendary duo of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. It was included on their album, United, which was released that same year. The song was written solely by Gaye, which is noteworthy because most of the duo’s repertoire had been written or produced by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson.
The song is a beautiful duet that features the two singers professing their love for each other and dreaming about what life would be like if they owned the entire world. The track has a soothing melody and heartwarming lyrics that have touched the hearts of many music lovers around the globe.
The song was not only a critical and commercial success for Gaye and Terrell but has also been covered by many notable artists throughout the years. Luther Vandross and Cheryl Lynn recorded a cover of the song in 1982, and it reached number 19 on the US R&B chart. In 1996, R&B singer Faith Evans teamed up with her late husband, The Notorious B.I.G. to record a memorable rendition of the track.
“If This World Were Mine” has become a staple in the world of soul music and continues to be a favorite song amongst fans of the genre. It’s safe to say that Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell were the first to record and sing this timeless classic, and their version remains the original and most iconic.
Who sang background for Luther Vandross?
Luther Vandross was one of the greatest R&B singers of all time, celebrated for his smooth, powerful vocals and romantic ballads. A key component to his music were the background singers who supported his voice with their harmonious tones and soulful interpretations. While many backup singers worked with Vandross throughout his career, one of the most prominent was Roberta Flack.
Roberta Flack was a renowned singer-songwriter who had already found considerable success by the time she crossed paths with Vandross. Her 1973 album “Killing Me Softly” had topped the charts and won her two Grammy Awards, cementing her status as a musical force to be reckoned with. Her collaboration with Vandross began in the late 1970s, when she was invited to sing backup on his albums “Never Too Much” and “Forever, For Always, For Love”.
Over the years, Flack became a constant presence on Vandross’ recordings, lending her rich, melodic voice to such hits as “Stop to Love”, “Give Me the Reason”, and “If This World Were Mine”. In particular, their rendition of the classic Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell duet “If This World Were Mine” is considered one of the greatest duets in R&B history, with Flack’s dulcet tones providing the perfect foil to Vandross’ impassioned delivery.
Flack and Vandross’ partnership wasn’t limited to the studio, as the two frequently performed together on stage. They toured together extensively, sharing billings at such legendary venues as the Apollo Theater and Radio City Music Hall. Their onstage chemistry was palpable, with Flack’s subtle yet commanding presence complementing Vandross’ famously dynamic performances.
While Flack wasn’t Vandross’ only backup singer during his career, their collaboration was undoubtedly one of the most fruitful and impactful. Her contributions helped to make his music even more profound and moving, and her voice remains an integral part of the Luther Vandross legacy.
Who is the gospel singer that sounds like Luther Vandross?
Darwin Todd Hobbs, also known as Todd Dulaney, is an American gospel music singer, songwriter, and worship leader. He was born on November 30, 1968, in Maywood, Illinois, and raised in the Chicago area. Todd Dulaney is known for his soulful voice that has often been likened to that of classic soul singers such as Luther Vandross, Freddie Jackson, and Lou Rawls.
Todd began his music career as a backup vocalist for gospel singer Smokie Norful. He later signed a record deal with Gospel label, Light Records, and released his debut album, “Pulling Me Through,” in 2013. The album was well-received and earned Todd a Stellar Awards nomination for New Artist of the Year.
Since then, Todd has released four more albums, each showcasing his impressive vocal range and ability to blend traditional gospel with contemporary praise and worship music. His albums include “A Worshipper’s Heart” (2016), “Your Great Name” (2018), “To Africa With Love” (2019), and “Back to the Book” (2021).
Todd has been compared to Luther Vandross mainly because of his ability to hit those high notes with a smooth, silky tone that is similar to that of the late singer. Todd’s rendition of the classic “The Anthem” showcases this perfectly, with his soaring vocals leaving audiences spellbound.
Todd Dulaney is a gospel music singer with an impressive vocal range that has often been compared to that of classic soul singers like Luther Vandross. His soulful voice has garnered him a large following in the gospel music industry, and he continues to create music that inspires and uplifts audiences around the world.
Did Marcus Miller play with Luther Vandross?
Yes, Marcus Miller did play with Luther Vandross. In fact, Miller collaborated with Vandross on many of his albums throughout his career. Miller was a major contributor to Vandross’ sound, serving as his primary bass player, musical director and co-producer on his albums from 1981 until 1997.
Their first collaboration was with Vandross’ 1981 album “Never Too Much”, where Miller played bass guitar. Since then, they worked together on almost every album Vandross released, including “Give Me the Reason” and “The Night I Fell in Love” in 1986 and “Power of Love” in 1991. Their musical partnership led to several hits, such as “Stop to Love,” “Power of Love/Love Power,” and “Don’t Want to Be a Fool.”
Miller’s contribution to Vandross’ sound was not limited to his bass guitar playing. He also arranged many of Vandross’ songs, created their horn and string arrangements, and produced and co-wrote songs with him. Miller has often spoken about how much he enjoyed working with Vandross and how their collaborations brought out the best in him as a musician.
Marcus Miller and Luther Vandross had a long and successful musical partnership. Miller’s bass playing, arranging, and producing played a significant role in Vandross’ distinctive sound, and their collaborations have become some of the most memorable songs in Vandross’ extensive catalog.
